Car Reviews

Moncton, NB – As consumers move from sedans to SUVs, Chevrolet is stepping up its game with the all-new 2018 mid-size Chevrolet Traverse. It's been a forgotten nameplate since its inception in 2009 save for a 2013 facelift, and dwindling sales have followed suit.

In a market where perception can quickly become reality, the Traverse couldn't get by with minor adjustments. Even though SUV sales are booming, the three-row Traverse needed a complete overhaul to compete against segment-heavyweights including the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Hyundai Santa Fe, and that's not even the whole lot.

The 2018 Traverse has shed its past starting with a new platform, shape, engine, transmission, suspension and technology. Most importantly the words 'best-in-class' can now be thrown around, as it provides plenty of interior comforts along with space and versatility.

More modern, more spacious

The new Traverse takes on a more boxy frame compared to the more rounded hatchback-y look it used to own. It's not as bold and in-your-face as the Ford Explorer – the vehicle Chevrolet is calling its direct competitor – rather, it takes on body creases, a larger two-stack grille and sleeker headlights. The new look won't wow, nor does it offend. All-in-all its an attractive, more truck-like vehicle that can now places itself in the middle of the mid-size SUV conversation.

Overall length stays pretty much in tact, except for an two-inch expansion of its wheelbase. It may seem minor, but that little extra room allows for best-in-class maximum passenger volume (4,485 litres), legroom in the third row (856 mm), and cargo space beyond the first row (2,789 litres). That expansion is most evident in the third row with plenty of headroom to spare and enough legroom to get by. Yes, I know it says best-in-class third row legroom, I just wouldn't get overly excited about it. On the flip side, sliding second-row seats tip the seat up and move forward to allow for easy passenger access into the third row.

On the base model, eight seats are standard with a bench in both the second and third row. Our testers for this first drive program in Moncton – a second-tier LT and top-of-the-line High Country – both sported the volume-selling, seven-seater with captain's chairs in the middle row, a configuration that comes standard starting at the LT trim.

As for interior materials, it naturally gets better as you move up the trim line. The High Country version is draped in a stunning tan leather and complemented with wood and suede accents. It doesn't feel like a Chevy, but it also doesn't cost like a Chevy either coming in at $60,390. On the LT Cloth trim, you're treated to simple, yet comfortable cloth seats. There are plastic touches around, but it's all done in a modern and organized fashion pleasing to the eye.

Like all Chevrolet products, the Traverse comes with a wide array of technologies that include standard features in 4G LTE WiFi with hotspot capability, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, Teen Driver, Rear Vision Camera, and a Rear Seat Reminder chime to go along with its seven-inch Multi-Link infotainment unit.

Other notable features that become available beyond the base LS are a hidden storage slot that opens up behind the infotainment screen, a hands-free liftgate that emits a bowtie sign signalling where to kick for the trunk to open, wireless charging, ventilated seats, heated rear seats, and a plethora of safety technologies.

New engine, smooth drive

As aforementioned, under the hood of the Traverse is a new 3.6-litre V6 engine that ups its output to 305 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque that's matched to a new nine-speed automatic transmission with options of front- and all-wheel drive available. Later this year, a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder will enter the fray, but only for the upcoming sporty RS version.

The new engine not only improves on power – previous hp was rated at 281 – it improves on fuel economy with ratings of 13.7 L/100 km in the city and 9.4 L/100 km on the highway in all-wheel-drive; while front-wheel-drive clocks in at 12.9 and 8.7, respectively. The Traverse is able to save on gas through a seven percent weight reduction with the use of high-strength steel and computer-aided designs.

The weight savings factor into the drive, as the Traverse felt nimble and ready-to-go throughout the journey. Initial acceleration is more brisk than expected with a lot of torque kicking in. Otherwise, the transmission is a dream with seamless transitions that reflect the quiet nature of the ride. If there's one standout in the Traverse's ride quality it has to be its peaceful ride, something a family might desperately need during those oh so rare moments of family silence.

Other technical features include electric power steering, towing up to 5,000 lbs on all trims except LS, traction mode selection that includes off-roading on AWD models, and Active Return, a system that assists the driver in keeping the vehicle centred through slight steering adjustments.

Verdict

The Chevrolet Traverse was in major need of an overhaul after getting a bit old in the tooth. At a starting cost of $36,790, the Traverse packs in plenty of value to go along with better styling and more interior space. There also are only a few combinations to choose from to not confuse customers, a total of 136 build possibilities have been simplified down to 11.

With the rise of SUV sales, the Traverse shouldn't have a problem reaching more customers, as its all-new second-generation version touches all the key boxes of what families look for: size, versatility, connectivity, comfort and performance. It even adds a sizable amount of towing and off-roading prowess when needed.

Niagara, ON – Whenever a new vehicle goes through a generational cycle, a spike in sales is imperative. With the compact crossover segment in a current sales boom, there's no better time to release the all-new 2018 Equinox and reap the rewards.

The timing of the Equinox's release has thus far panned out. Through March 2017, the Equinox has been on a surge, sitting in sixth position with a 43.7 percent year-over-year Canadian sales jump.

The Equinox has not gone through a major makeover since 2010, making the third-generation model one of the most, if not the most, important vehicle for the Chevrolet brand, as it takes on the likes of the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Toyota Rav4, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, and the list can keep going on.

Chevrolet is going into battle with a product that's shorter and lighter, yet more spacious than its previous iteration. Weight has been reduced by 181 kg (400 lbs.), thanks in large part to its shorter frame, as well as its chassis being made of high-strength steel. But Chevrolet used a little ingenuity to find more cargo space with an added 3 cu.-ft. of storage space underneath the trunk for a maximum cargo space (while the second row is folded flat) of 1,798 litres.

Another major change comes under the hood with three new engine choices being offered – two gas versions and a diesel. They will all be released at different times, starting with the currently available turbocharged, 1.5-litre four-cylinder that produces 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. The base unit is matched only to a six-speed automatic transmission with a choice of standard front-wheel-drive (FWD) or the optional all-wheel-drive (AWD).

If those numbers seem a bit odd – they are. The 2018 version's horsepower gets lowered 12 hp, while its torque gets a boost of 31 lb-ft. The reduction in weight and additional torque create the necessary power for the Equinox to keep pace with other vehicles on the road, as well as those in its segment.

In June, production will begin on the 2.0-litre four-cylinder that has 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission geared for impressive fuel economy. To be followed in the fall with a segment-first 1.5-litre diesel powertrain that generates 136 hp and a whopping 236 lb-ft of torque paired to that same six-speed automatic unit. According to Chevrolet Canada, the diesel will achieve segment-leading highway and combined fuel economy rated at 7.4 L/100 km in the city, 5.7 L/100 km on the highway and a 6.9 L/100 km combined.

But for this first drive program around the scenic roads of Niagara, Ontario, our chariot was the volume-selling 1.5-litre unit. The drive was quiet, unassuming and smooth – a perfect companion around the equally-smooth roads of Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls. Everything about it was comfortable from its two-tone leather seats (a Premier trim addition) to its decent amount of headroom and legroom in both rows. Even its centre console acted as the perfect armrest while navigating through city traffic or on the highway.

When cruising, the Equinox proved its worth as an errands-soldier for families. However, when pushed, the gearbox gets a little noisy with some high revving, but that comes with the crossover territory. Even though, it won't set any speed records, the ute handles sharp turns effectively without need for correction or much body roll. Steering finds a nice, middle-of-the-road balanced setting that's not to loose, allowing you to fully keep control on turns.

According to Chevrolet Canada's presentation, the Equinox is being labelled as the 'perfect balance of style and function' – and it totally makes sense. Not only is its interior well crafted with soft-touch materials (especially noticeable in the Premier trim provided), it's versatile with room to fit five passengers comfortably, carry a big load with the second row folded flat, or tow up to 1,500 pounds. In addition, I was able to achieve a 7.8 L/100 combined fuel economy rating – a notch below its official combined AWD rating of 7.9.

As smooth as it drives, one of its best attributes comes down to value. Like other Chevrolet products, the Equinox possesses many standard features such as a rear vision camera, On Star with 4G LTE WiFi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a parental control safety system called Teen Driver, a seven-inch touchscreen with MyLink, standard stop/start technology, heated front seats and heated rear view mirrors. It's a lot to receive starting at a price of $26,995 that already includes freight and A/C tax.

As you move up the ladder, the prices go up – all the way to a starting price of $35,395 for the Premier AWD, but that even comes at a discount from the previous iteration that didn't possess even close to the amount of technology and elevated design.

The all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has all the tools to be a successful crossover at a time when crossovers are in high demand. It's not the most exciting crossover offered, but it offers a complete package of design, value and reasonable fuel economy, only to be made better by the soon-to-market diesel in the fall that will resonate with many families.

We check out the all-new Chevy Equinox at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. Redesigned for the 2018 model year, the Equinox is now offered with gasoline and diesel engine options. The Equinox's closest competitors include:

Call it the right balance. On the autumnal equinox today, Chevrolet introduced the all-new 2018 Equinox – a fresh and modern SUV sized and designed to meet the needs of the compact SUV customer.

“We’ve got the strongest truck business in the industry and we’ve reinvigorated our car lineup with Volt, Cruze and Malibu,” said Alan Batey, Global Chevrolet president. “We’re applying the same customer focus to grow our crossover/SUV business – starting with the Chevrolet Equinox.”

Today’s compact SUV customers make sure a vehicle meets all of their needs, from design, connectivity and safety perspectives. The Equinox delivers on all fronts, starting with its fresh new design and all-new propulsion systems.

Fresh, new design

The new Equinox’s expressive exterior has a lean, muscular skin echoing the global Chevrolet design cues and sculpted shapes seen in the Volt, Malibu and Cruze. Extensive aero development in the wind tunnel influenced the sleek shape.

It is a richer, more detailed design featuring chrome trim on all models and Malibu-inspired styling. Projector-beam headlamps are standard, along with LED daytime running lamps. At the rear, horizontal taillamps emphasize the Equinox’s wide stance, while uplevel models feature LED taillamps.

“Customers who previewed the vehicle early on had a strong emotional response to the sleek and sophisticated exterior design,” said John Cafaro, executive director, GM Design. “Those same themes are carried through to the interior, making the space beautifully intuitive.”

The interior takes advantage of the Equinox’s all-new architecture to offer a down-and-away instrument panel, while a low windshield base provides a commanding outward view. New elements such as available denim-style seat fabric blend high style with high-durability, while a new “kneeling” rear seat enhances functionality. With it, the bottom cushions tilt forward when the split-folding seatbacks are lowered, allowing a flat floor for easier loading.

Chevrolet’s latest connectivity technologies are front and centre, including 7- and 8-inch-diagonal MyLink infotainment systems designed to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an available OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is subject to their terms, privacy statements and data plan rates, as well as a compatible smartphone.)

Safety

The Equinox offers a comprehensive suite of available active safety technologies and adaptive crash-avoidance features that provide ease of use and peace of mind on the road.

Teen Driver is also offered, allowing parents to set controls and review in order to encourage driving habits, even when they are not in the vehicle.

Available advanced active safety features to enhance driver awareness on the road include radar- and camera-based adaptive technologies that can provide alerts to potential crash threats, allowing the driver to react and make changes to avoid them, including:

A range of three turbocharged engines – including the segment’s first turbo-diesel in North America – provides customers more choices when it comes to performance, efficiency and capability in the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.

They include a 1.5L turbo, a 2.0L turbo – matched with GM’s new nine-speed automatic transmission – and a 1.6L turbo-diesel.

“With three choices, customers can select an engine that offers more of the attributes that are important to them: efficiency, performance and capability,” said Dan Nicholson, vice-president, Global Propulsion Systems. “The advantage for each is power of a larger engine and the efficiency of a smaller engine.”

The new Equinox is the first Chevrolet model in North America to use an all-turbocharged, multi-engine powertrain lineup. That includes the expected segment-exclusive 1.6L turbo-diesel that will offer customers excellent efficiency and capability.

“It is an all-new SUV from the ground up and one that takes on the industry’s biggest competitors with a stronger architecture, greater efficiency and more technology,” said Rick Spina, executive chief engineer. “And it looks great doing it.”

Additional vehicle highlights:

-Approximately 180 kilograms (400 lbs) lighter than the current model – a 10-percent weight reduction -Switchable AWD system that enhances efficiency by disconnecting from the rear axle when not needed -Unique kneeling rear seat that enables a flat rear load floor and up to 1,798 litres (63.5 cu.ft. (of maximum cargo space -Heated seats and a remote starter are standard on all trims in Canada.

Equinox sales have reached more than 2 million since its launch and it is Chevrolet’s second-best retail selling vehicle, after the Silverado.

The 2018 Equinox goes on sale in the first quarter of 2017 in North America. It rolls out to approximately 115 additional global markets later in the year.

The 2016 Chevrolet Volt and 2016 Mazda CX-3 have been named Automobile Journalist Association of Canada's (AJAC) Canadian Green Car and Canadian Green Utility Vehicle of the Year.

The award announcements took place during the opening ceremonies at the 2016 Vancouver International Auto Show. For 2016, AJAC added a utility category to separate its sedans from CUVs/SUVs.

The other finalists for the awards were the Honda Civic and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid for the car category, while the Honda HR-V and the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) fell short in the utility grouping.

The Chevrolet Volt has an increased EV range of 85 km (up from 61 km) using its new 18.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. Fuel economy numbers have reduced to a combined 5.6L/100 km with help from a reduction in its generator and cell design's weight.

The Mazda CX-3 was also the winner of AJAC's Canadian Car of the Year. It's 146-hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv engine improves not only the CX-3's performance, but also achieves a fuel economy rating of 8.8L/100 km in the city and 7.3L/100 km on the highway.

The Canadian Green Car and Utility Vehicle candidates were evaluated last October during AJAC's “TestFest” event by over 70 AJAC journalists. A separate round of voting was held for the ten classified green entries, and those votes were compiled on top of the regular testing results in order to determine the Canadian Green Vehicle winners.

Late last week was a big day for Chevrolet Camaro fans, General Motors and the city of St. Catharines. At the GM Powertrain facility in St. Catharines in front of the many visiting and involved in the 17th annual St. Catharines Show & Shine event, the sixth-generation 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS was revealed for the first time on Canadian soil.

It might not be such a big reveal to those who followed its American reveal in Belle Isle over two months ago, but it truly meant something to the hundreds of Camaro owners in attendance. A reveal is nothing new for us auto journalists, but it's a rarity to do one in front of many of your loyal customers. The owners and visitors in attendance flocked to the svelte and shining red Camaro SS, taking turns to sit inside its leather-filled interior, take a grip of its flat-bottomed steering wheel, and take a glance at the the LT1 6.2-litre V8 engine that produces 455 hp and 455 lb.-ft. of torque.

The reveal of the Camaro wasn't the only thing Carlisle was excited to talk about. Earlier that day, General Motors Canada announced a $13-million investment in the St. Catharines Powertrain facility that mostly focuses on V6 and V8 engines, as well as transmissions. The LT1 V8, the most-powerful ever made for the Camaro will soon begin production at the St. Catharines facility.

“We’re proud that GM Canada continues to play an important role in the sixth-generation of the Chevy Camaro, with the LT1 V-8 small-block engine being built right here at St. Catharines Powertrain,” said Steve Carlisle, president and managing director, General Motors of Canada.

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro will have three engine options including the Ecotec 2.0-litre turbo, a 3.6-litre V6, and the aforementioned 6.2-litre V8. According to General Motors Canada, the 2.0-litre is expected to be the most fuel-efficient engine in a Camaro with a highway rating of 7.8L/100 km. A city or combined rating was not provided.

Away from fuel efficiency, what's impressive is that the base engine can achieve a 0-96 km/h sprint in under six seconds. Regardless of which engine is chosen, consumers will get a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission.